Articles of Confederation

SS.7.C.1.5

The postage stamp above shows a committee of the Second Continental Congress drafting the Articles of the Confederation.

Why did 'this committee create a weak central government?

• To encourage more trade between states

• To preserve the powers of the individual states

• To promote National Security against foreign invasion

• To permit the taxation of citizens to pay the nation's debts

SS.7.C.1.5

How did Americans' experience under British rule influence the form of government they established under the Articles of Confederation?

• The new legislature had two houses, just like the British Parliament.

• The states were Sovereign, just as the colonies had been under British rule.

• The new central government was not given any power to direct the military.

• The new central government was not able to tax citizens as the British government had tried to do.

SS.7.C.1.5

Which steps would the Confederation Congress have taken in the event of another war?

• Declare war then raise its own troops to defend the nation then pass a tax to raise money

• Declare war then ask states to contribute troops and funds then direct the Army and Navy

• Ask states for permission to declare war then borrow money then raise an army and a Navy

• Declare war with the states then pass a tax law to fund the Army and build the Navy then direct the Army and Navy

SS.7.C.1.5

By 1786, why did many merchants want the Articles of Confederation to be replaced?

• Several states were taxing the activities of the Confederation.

• States where discouraging trade by taxing one another's goods.

• Congress was forcing the states to contribute to its general fund.

• The Confederation Congress printed so much money that it lost its value.

SS.7.C.1.5

Which was NOT a concern that led Americans to strengthen their national government in 1787?

• Britain had refused to abandon its forts in the northwest.

• Americans feared that the French might retake Canada.

• Spain was challenging America's borders to the Southwest.

• American ships sailing along the coast of Africa were being attacked by pirates.

SS.7.C.1.5

The illustration above, from a popular almanac in 1787, shows Captain Daniel Shays.

Why did Shays Rebellion send a wave of fear among wealthy merchants and landowners?

• Officers worried about losing their back pay.

• Shays plan to take money from the rich and give it to the poor.

• There was no national army to put down domestic unrest if it spread.

• Bankers and other lenders feared the loss of loans to their national government.

SS.7.C.1.5

Which weakness of the Articles of Confederation was addressed by the Constitution?

• The continuation of slavery

• the lack of a national court system

• The absence of a balanced budget

• the need to strengthen the power of the states

SS.7.C.1.8

Above are views for and against ratification of the Constitution.

Which conclusion can be drawn from these views?

• The proposed Constitution lacked a bill of rights.

• The proposed Constitution guaranteed free speech.

• The proposed Constitution had no national executive.

• The proposed Constitution strengthened state governments.

SS.7.C.1.8

During the ratification debates, Anti-Federalists demanded that the rights above be added to the Constitution in order for them to support it.

Which document guaranteed these rights?

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Declaration of Independence

SS.7.C.1.8

Why did Anti-Federalists' believe that it was critically important for a democratic society to provide constitutional guarantees for free speech and a free press?

• They encouraged citizens to vote.

• They encouraged an open exchange of ideas.

• They supported the growth of political parties.

• They helped government leaders to control the people.